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Archeological Museum
The Archrological Museum, the jewel of the city
with antiquities collected
from all over the country and stored in one building, was constructed
between the years 1891-1908 by the architect, Valaury. It is one of the most important arceological museums in the
world and it was Turkey's first museum,. Before its opening all valuble antiquities
were brought to Istanbul and exhibited in the church of Hagia
Eirene.
The collection consists of archeological pieces
from the period 2500B.C. to 500A.D. On display are Greek, Roman and
Byzantine architecture and sculpture, earthware, bronz and glassware.
coins and medaillions. The most valubable object of the collection is The
Alexander Sarcophagus which originates from the 4th century B.C.

Alexander Sarcophagus
Discovered at Sidon by Hamdi Bey in 1887. The sides of Sarcophagus are
decorated with interesting almost round relief showing Alexander in a lion
hunting. The battle scene with the Macedonians are sculptured in a sportive
fashion.
Sarcophagus of the
Mourning Women
Mourners grieved for their loved ones in an
interesting fashion.Professional mourners were hired and these eighteen
women can be seen on the sides of the Sarcophagus .You will notice the
figure of a child which gives additional importance to the deceased.
Alexander's Tomb
This amazing monument is decorated with reliefs on all four side. Greco
Persian wars are represented. Alexander is shown with a lion's pelt over
his head, mounted. On the other side there is a scene
of a lion with a stag in combat and a hunting scene on the other. This sarcophagus is
also in the form of a Greek temple dating from the last quarter of the
fourth century B.C.
Sidmara Sarcophagus
During the Roman period in groups of reliefs showing gods of mythology.
The Lykian Sarcophagus
Lykia was located in soutwest Anatolia.
It shows reliefs of two carved sphinxes and a lion hunt is shown .
The Tabrit Sarcophagus
Tabrit, King of Phoenikia died after the conquest of Egypt. Tabrit's
corpse was mummified and laid into the coffin.
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